Are Jobs for Craft Home Assembly Work Scams?

Craft Home Assembly Scams-How to Avoid

You saw an amazing ad, promising a great income assembling simple crafts at home.  You’re crafty and you could definitely squeeze the time in your day to do a few crafts from time to time.  So should you give it a try and become a professional craft assembler?  Unfortunately, as dreamy as this job might sound, chances are the whole thing is nothing more than a scam. I’ve come across a few craft assembly programs that just had too many complaints, for instance, Tiny Details. As much as I had high hopes for this program – I got scathing emails from those that tried it and said – it’s just not for real. On the other hand, I have heard decent things about the Home Employment Directory that includes some assembly companies info in it. For that reason, I do sell it on my site – but I sell it at cost. Some sites sell it for almost $35 so they can make a profit. I do not. I sell it for $17.75. The PUBLISHER MAILS IT OUT. I do not. They put my address as the return address in case it’s undeliverable – but it does not come from me. If I thought for one minute the directory had home assembly scams in it – I would stop offering it on my site. I’ve been scammed before too – so that last thing I want is other people like me getting scammed as well.

Anatomy of Craft or Home Assembly Scams

Most of these positions work the same way.  You click on the ad and it takes you to set of instructions on how to begin.  You will send money to the company and in return they send you all of the materials, instructions, and samples you need to get started.  Then you are directed to make the craft as directed and send it in.  Once it is approved by their specialists, you are paid for the craft you created.  It sounds great, right?

Before you jump in, let’s take a minute and look closer.  In 99% of cases, you send in money and do all the hard work only to never be paid in return.  Most people receive a letter that says the assembled craft didn’t pass inspection. This was the biggest complaint about Tiny Details.  Quality control found some minor problem with it and so you will not be paid.  Suddenly, all your time and money is wasted and you are left reeling from yet another work from home scam.

Finding a Job that Works for You

Fortunately, you can avoid this trap.  There are actually good home based business opportunities, but they will not require you to purchase kits and materials up front.  If the company is asking you for money, this is usually a big warning sign that it is nothing more than another scam.  Another big warning is if the job is advertised as “Craft Assembly”.  Instead, you need to look for jobs listed as “artisan” work or something similar. I am not sure if the companies listed in the Home Employment Directory ask for money – but I do know that sometimes companies like this do require you to buy a few kits and send in samples of your work – so that would be a cost to think about.

In reality, legitimate craft assembly jobs are few and far between.  If you love doing art projects and find that you enjoy crafts, a better option would be to start a home based business around your passion.  Start an Etsy shop and sell your own creations.  If you don’t want to start a business from the ground up, become a consultant with a scrapbooking company and host parties where friends can get together and do crafts while buying supplies from you. I was a StampinUp rep for a few years and loved it. However, my site MoneyMakingMommy.com just involves too much of a time commitment and I cannot meet the sales quotas that are needed to stay active. Love their products though and there are other companies like Creative Memories and Close to My Heart to name a few.

Avoid the Scams and Pursue Your Passion

There are many creative ways that you can put your love for arts and crafts to work for you.  Don’t get discouraged and give up.  Just be wise in your search and avoid “craft assembly” scams.  A big warning sign of home assembly scams is when you aren’t asked to apply with relevant experience or a portfolio.  Why would a company hire you to assemble their products if you have no ability in their specific craft?
Take some time to do the research and you will be able to weed out the craft assembly scams from the legitimate work from home opportunities that involve your passions for all things artistic.

 

Tagged as: Assembly Work Scams